On Friday State Representative Steve Meskers (D-150), who is vice chair of the Finance, Revenue and Bonding Committee, announced the inclusion of funding for Remediation of Round Hill Firehouse by the State Bond Commission.
Meskers said he expects it will be approved when the commission meets on Friday, July 29.
“I am more than happy to see this funding allocated to a group of dedicated and talented individuals at Round Hill Firehouse,” Meskers said on Friday. “They have answered the call and have been the difference between life and death for more than 75 years, and these first in 40 year renovations will allow them to continue this important work for many years to come.”
David Chass, president of the Round Hill Volunteer Fire Company, said the news was huge for his organization.
“We have been working with State Representative Meskers for five months and could not be any more appreciative of his efforts on our behalf,” Chass said. “We are cautiously optimistic the State Bond Commission will vote in favor of our funding next Friday.”
“As with all construction projects these days, our costs have increased quite significantly,” Chass added. “These funds will allow us to move forward with our much needed renovation and modernization.”
“I thank Governor Lamont for prioritizing this project and House Speaker Ritter and House Bonding Chair Borer for their tireless advocacy and work to make sure this important project is considered on this agenda,” Meskers added.
Round Hill Volunteer Fire Company is the only all-volunteer fire company in Greenwich.
Since 1948, the volunteer firefighters of Round Hill Volunteer Fire Company have provided first response emergency services, protecting life and property, to the Greenwich backcountry.
In that time, members have responded to more than 10,000 incidents, ranging from traffic accidents and downed power lines to hazardous material spills and fully involved structure fires.
The renovation plan focuses on several key strategic imperatives:
• Addressing areas of the firehouse that are currently in disrepair
• Upgrading the building to meet current ADA, Building Department and Health department codes
• Upgrading the building’s electrical system, generator and boiler
• Remediating lead paint and limited asbestos issues
• Providing critical health protections for RHVFC firefighters, including the installation of vehicle exhaust ventilation systems to the apparatus floor to be OSHA compliant
• Enlarging and modernizing the Apparatus Floor, Watch Room and associated systems to better accommodate firefighter needs for regular operational periods and crisis events.
• Upgrading/modernizing the dormitories, bathrooms and living areas to attract and retain up to five (5) live-in volunteer firefighters
Funding in the amount of $500,000 is included in item 52-G of the agenda.
In addition to Vice-Chair of the Finance, Revenue and Bonding Committee, Meskers serves on the Energy and Technology, Transportation and Insurance and Real Estate Committees.